Southwest Florida International Airport [RSW] – Ultimate Terminal Guide

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located in Fort Myers, Florida. It serves as a primary airport for the Southwest Florida region, including the cities of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, and Marco Island. The airport is owned and operated by the Lee County Port Authority and operates flights mostly throughout the U.S., with the exception of a few international destinations.

Transporting around 10 million passengers every year, it’s not the largest U.S. airport, but passengers consistently praise its cleanliness, friendly staff, and easy navigation.

Quick Information

Airport: Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
Terminals: 1 main terminal and 3 concourses — B, C, and D
Airport Address: 11000 Terminal Access Rd., Fort Myers, FL 33913
Distance From Downtown Fort Myers: Approximately 15 miles (24 km)
Website: flyrsw.com
Phone Number: 239-590-4800
Destinations Served: 54 domestic, 5 international
Flight Information: View departures and arrival information on the airport’s website

Airlines Operating From RSW

Concourse B

Concourse C

Concourse D

RSW Terminal Map

Southwest Florida International Airport can be easily accessed from I-75 via the Terminal Access Road. This single-way road loops around the parking and car rental facilities, with split-level curbside access to the terminal for arrivals and departures.

RSW has a single terminal building with 3 concourses: B, C, and D.

RSW Main Terminal

Facilities in the main terminal span 2 levels. The departures area is on the upper level with access to the airline ticketing desks and the departure concourses while the arrivals area is on the ground level where baggage claim is located.

Upper Level – Departures

Baggage claim is on the lower level, along with the TSA PreCheck Enrollment office and access to ground transportation.

Concourse B

Concourse B is at the east side of the terminal and has 9 gates numbered B1 to B9. There’s an information booth at the entrance to the concourse and a small selection of shops and restaurants straight after security.

Air Canada, Alaska, Avelo, Eurowings Discover, Frontier, Southwest, and Sun Country operate from Concourse B.

Concourse C

Concourse C is located at the center of the terminal in between Concourses B and D and has 9 gates numbered C1 to C9. There’s a small selection of shops and restaurants, including a Starbucks and Great American Bagel.

Delta, United, and WestJet operate from Concourse C.

Concourse D

Concourse D is on the west side of the terminal and has 10 gates numbered D1 to D10. Gate D9 is at the far end of the concourse on the lower level, and available shops and restaurants include Starbucks and CNBC News.

American, Breeze, JetBlue, and Spirit operate from Concourse D.

Inter-terminal Transport

Walking

RSW is not a large airport, with all concourses accessible via the main terminal. With a security checkpoint at the entrance of each concourse, passengers will need to re-clear security if/when connecting between flights. The 2 furthest gates are around half a mile apart, so it takes a maximum of 6 to 10 minutes to walk between gates (not including the time it takes to clear security.)

Security and Customs at RSW

Security checkpoints are located at the entrance to all 3 concourses and are open around 2 hours before the first departure until approximately 30 minutes before the last departure.

TSA PreCheck

RSW has dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at all 3 security checkpoints, available during these hours:

The airport has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center located in the baggage claim area opposite carousel 4. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Once you’ve received your Known Traveler Number, you’ll be able to use TSA PreCheck lanes at any participating airport.

Global Entry

Global Entry kiosks are located at RSW for expedited clearance of passengers arriving in the U.S. on international flights.

There is no Global Entry Enrollment Center at RSW, with the nearest offices available at Tampa International Airport (TPA) or Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

Mobile Passport

Mobile Passport Control is not available at RSW.

RSW Airport Lounges

There are no airline lounges at Southwest Florida International Airport.

Hot Tip: Want lounge access, but don’t want to pay the entry fee? Check out this article on the best credit cards for lounge access.

Priority Pass Access

Priority Pass members do not have access to any lounges or experiences at Southwest Florida International Airport.

Hot Tip: Find out about membership in our dedicated Priority Pass article, as well as the best credit cards for getting Priority Pass access.

Airport Dining and Drinks at RSW

RSW has 19 restaurants, cafes, and food outlets, with a fairly equal number available inside and outside the secure areas.

Check out which restaurants are available in advance on the airport’s website.

RSW Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Free and unlimited Wi-Fi is available in all areas of RSW. To connect, select “RSWiFly” from your available connections.

Charging Stations: RSW does not disclose the location of its charging stations, but these are available in all 3 concourses.

Hot Tip: Make sure you don’t get caught out with a dead battery by nabbing yourself one of the best portable charging banks.

RSW Airport Lost and Found

If you lose an item at the airport, contact the applicable department for where you lost the item:

• At the Gate or on an Aircraft: Contact the applicable airline
• At a Security Checkpoint: Email TSA
• At a Rental Car Office: Contact the applicable rental car agency
• For All Other Locations: Submit a claim online

Additional Airport Information

Travelers Aid

Travelers Aid International is not based at Southwest Florida International Airport; however, information and assistance are available at the following locations:

• Lee County information booths are located at the entrance to Concourses B and D
• Courtesy phones for flight information:
  • Concourse B: Near gates B2 and B6
  • Concourse C: Near gates C1 and C6
  • Concourse D: Near gates D1 and D5

Children’s Play Areas

There are no children’s play areas at RSW.

Hot Tip: Explore the most kid-friendly U.S. airports and see why RSW was one of the worst airports on our list.

Baby Facilities

Nursing rooms can be found in the following locations:

• Main Terminal: Near the American Airlines desk
• Concourse B: Near the concourse entrance
• Concourse C: Near gate C6
• Concourse D: Near the concourse entrance

Pet Relief Areas

Pet relief areas are available outside the secure area, in the following locations:

• At both ends of the terminal, outside of baggage claim
• Across the roadway from baggage claim, on either side of the rental car facility

Hot Tip: With no pet relief areas inside the secure area, it’s not surprising that RSW didn’t make our top pet-friendly airports.

Duty-free

There are no duty-free shops at RSW.

Smoking Areas

Smoking is only permitted outside the terminal.

Prayer

RSW does not have a chapel.

Money

ATMs are available in the terminal.

Medical Center

There is no medical center at RSW.

Luggage

There are no on-site storage services for luggage.

Important RSW Phone Numbers

Customer Service: 239-590-4800

Parking: 239-768-6296

Travel to and From RSW

Transportation Options From RSW

Ground transportation services are located on the lower level outside the terminal.

Bus

LeeTran Route 50 operates from the airport to Sanibel Outlets. Buses stop at a transfer location at U.S. 41 along Daniels Parkway where passengers can access services to Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and beyond. Buses run Monday through Saturday, from 7:24 a.m. to 8:50 p.m. and Sundays from 8:26 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Taxi

On-demand taxis are available from the central curb and charge set rates determined by zones. The fixed rate for downtown Fort Myers is $35.

Shuttles

Pre-arranged shuttles, limousines, and courtesy hotel shuttles are available outside the terminal. The airport website has a list of authorized shuttles that hold a Lee County Port Authority permit.

Ride Services

Uber and Lyft drivers are permitted to pick up passengers outside the terminal on the lower level.

Driving to RSW

Arriving From Downtown Fort Myers

Continue on FL-82 E/Dr .Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Take I-75 S to Terminal Access Rd. Take exit 128 from I-75 S. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 128 for Alico Rd. towards County Rd. 840/San Carlos Park/SW Florida Int’l Airport. Keep right at the fork and follow signs for SW Florida Int’l Airport.

Arriving From Cape Coral

Take Cape Coral Bridge and continue on College Pkwy. Turn right onto S. Cleveland Ave./S. Tamiami Trail and use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Daniels Pkwy. Turn right to merge onto I-75 S towards Naples and use the right 2 lanes to take exit 128 for Alico Rd. towards County Rd. 840/San Carlos Park/SW Florida Int’l Airport. Keep right at the fork, following signs for SW Florida Int’l Airport, and continue on to Terminal Access Rd.

RSW Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

Southwest Florida Airport offers a range of parking options to suit the needs of different travelers. There are several parking lots located on airport property, including short-term, long-term, and garage parking options.

Short-term Parking

Short-term parking is available in the main parking garage on level 2 (covered parking) and level 3 (uncovered parking) above the rental car facility. The following fees apply:

The terminal parking lot has a maximum height restriction of 8 feet 4 inches on the second level.

Long-term Parking

Long-term parking is available in the surface lot located beyond the terminal parking garage.

Passengers can ride the courtesy shuttle bus between the surface lot and the main terminal. The following parking fees apply:

Frequent Flyer Program

RSW Rewards is the airport’s frequent flyer parking program that rewards passengers with points to redeem for free parking.

Pick-up or Drop-off Parking

Curbside pick-up and drop-off are available at the main terminal on the lower and upper levels. Family or friends waiting to pick up passengers can park free in the cell phone lot, located just a 2-minute drive from the terminal at Airport Plaza.

Off-site and Hotel Parking

Off-site parking lots offer alternative parking at a cheaper rate for passengers who don’t mind traveling a little further. Hotels and off-site lots typically provide free shuttle transportation to and from the airport.

Daily parking for RSW starts at around $8.35, with easy booking available on airportparkingreservations.com.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Handicap parking spaces are available in both the short and long-term parking lots, adjacent to the elevators and walkways. When parking in the long-term parking lot, accessible shuttle buses are available by request via the parking attendant at the lot entrance.

Hot Tip: Want more information about flying with a disability or mobility concern? See our guide to flying with a disability to make sure you know your rights and what can be provided by the airport and airlines.

Parking Contact Numbers

General Parking Inquiries: 239-768-6296

Car Rental at RSW Airport

Car rental companies are located on the lower level of the parking garage, opposite the terminal. The following companies are available on airport property:

Passengers can rent through these agencies by riding a courtesy shuttle bus to an off-airport location:

• Easirent Car Rental: 239-666-3090
• Fox Rent A Car: 888-849-4218

Hot Tip: Read about the credit cards that include car rental insurance so you can avoid paying for expensive insurance through the rental provider. 

RSW Airport Hotels

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, there are several hotel options available to suit your needs and budget near Southwest Florida Airport. All hotels close to the airport are 2 and 3-star hotels, so you would need to venture into Fort Myers for a more luxurious stay.

RSW Airport Hotels – Sorted by Distance From RSW

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Fort Myers Airport is one of the closest hotels to RSW and offers a shuttle service to and from the airport, as well as to destinations within a 3-mile radius of the hotel. Amenities include an outdoor pool, fitness center, connecting rooms, and a complimentary hot buffet breakfast. IHG One Rewards members can book this hotel from 23,000 points per night.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Fort Myers Airport is located near the Terminal Access Road, off I-75, providing the closest accommodation to the airport. All rooms include a kitchenette and there are some pet-friendly rooms available. Rates include a hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Hilton Honors members can book a room from 45,000 points per night.

Guests at the La Quinta Inn and Suites Fort Myers I-75 can enjoy the hotel’s fitness center, indoor swimming pool, business center, free parking, and more. Wyndham Rewards members can book a room with 15,000 points per night.

Hot Tip: Check out which credit cards award you complimentary hotel status so you can start enjoying the benefits immediately.

Final Thoughts

Although RSW is a highly rated airport when it comes to reviews and short security waiting times, the format of its current terminal and concourses is not convenient for flight connections (though these will admittedly be rare at this airport) or accessing a wide range of concessions.

The airport is currently undergoing a terminal expansion, consolidating the 3 existing security checkpoints into a single checkpoint. This, in addition to building airside connectors, will allow passengers to walk between concourses without the need to re-clear security. The project also includes new seating, shops, and restaurants and is expected to be completed in 2024.